Monday, March 6, 2023

Monday Review - Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

First - shout out to  my friend,  Becky,  for gifting me this  book. Demon Copperhead is a gem. I soaked up every page in awe of Barbara Kingsolver's writing. This is a modern day David  Copperfield by Charles Dickens. Poor  Damon (nicknamed Demon) is born to a young addict  mom and a dad that's already dead in the  mountains  of southern Appalachia. And there's  a new script out  there - oxycontin - that spells trouble.

Foster care, child labor, derelict  schools - Demon tells  his tale in an unforgettable  voice. This lost  soul has artistic  skills, good looks, copper colored hair, a caustic wit, and a fierce talent  for survival. (cover blurb). 

Here are some writing samples - p.77  We had the moon in the window to smile on us for  a minute and tell us the world was ours. Because all the adults had gone off somewhere and left everything in our hands.

p. 221 But the weirdness wasn't in what I didn't know. It's what I did know. How to watch your  back at all times. What a caseworker means by, "We're working on it." 

p. 325  "Oh my goodness, Demon. You don't have  any idea do you?"

              "You're the one all the girls will be writing to in prison."

Intrigued?  You will LOVE this  character, admire him, feel sorry for him, and laugh along with him on his crazy ride through  life. You'll shake your head at a life you don't know and can't even imagine.  Kingsolver  tackles the underbelly of life with great writing.  Trust me - Demon Copperhead is a must  read! 


8 comments:

  1. Poor kid was put through the wringer.

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    1. absolutely. But a very strong likeable kid

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  2. Ha. What a quote - that last one. I don't think I'd want to be that girl. Have a great, safe week, Joanne.

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    1. Oh, he's a lovable smart/troubled kid. The writing is smooth. I'm off to PA this week - time to see dad. You have a good one too!

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  3. Hi Joanne - thanks for your review - I've seen notes on her book recently ... and so one day will definitely pick it up, it sounds brilliant. You have a lovely time in PA with your Dad ... enjoy - cheers Hilary

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    1. I would loan this to you now. Worthy read.
      At airport now. Should be an interesting rest of week. Thanks

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  4. The last dialogue sounds ominous for sure. Have a wonderful time with Dad.

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    1. Thanks. I landed Tues morn and brrr it’s cold. Dad’s in fine form. All good so far

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